Thursday, October 29, 2009

NTC Day 39: Luke 18, 1 Timothy 1-3

In 1 Timothy, Paul describes himself as “the worst of all sinners”. There are probably many people down through the ages who might lump themselves in that category. Yet if Jesus came into the world to save sinners and Paul considers himself the worst then, according to Paul’s theology, there is no one beyond the reach of Christ.

And not only has Jesus come to save even the worst sinners, but Paul suggests that he was saved not only to show the reach of God’s saving grace, but also his patience in it. Indeed, elsewhere it is written “He is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance” (2 Peter 3:9).

But do we really believe this? Do we understand our own sinfulness as Paul did? Do we understand what Jesus has saved us from? Do we appreciate the patience of God in our own salvation?

Today, say a prayer of thanks to God for his reach and patience in your salvation. Paul was saved so that Christ Jesus might display his unlimited patience as an example for you and for me.